Shows
UR Ventures Tech Hustle and BuzzleEpisode 16: Ahmed Mustafa, CEO of BioSpherixIn this episode of the UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzle podcast, host Dina Uzri interviews Ahmed Mustafa, CEO of BioSpherix, who shares his fascinating career journey from political science to biotech leadership. Ahmed discusses his leadership philosophy, the importance of continuous learning, and the innovative technology at BioSpherix that aims to democratize healthcare. He emphasizes the significance of collaboration, communication, and mentorship in entrepreneurship, while also providing insights into the future of cell and tissue culture technology. To learn more about Ahmed and BioSpherix, check out the links below.· (1) Syed Ahmed Mustafa |LinkedIn2025-06-1640 min
UR Ventures Tech Hustle and BuzzleEpisode 15: Amy Gurske, Founder and CEO of sayhiiIn this episode, host Dina Uzri speaks with Amy Gurske, Founder and CEO of sayhii, a health tech startup focused on enhancing communication and engagement within organizations. Amy shares her unique journey from engineering to health tech, the lessons learned from her corporate experiences, and the power of data in understanding human performance and motivations. She discusses the “roots” of sayhii and how the platform fosters meaningful conversations in the workplace, ultimately boosting employee wellbeing and success across the organization. Amy also offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women in tech, emphasizing the importance of networking and self-care in t...2025-06-0233 min
UR Ventures Tech Hustle and BuzzleEpisode 14: Tony Pisani, Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at URMC and Founder of SafeSide PreventionTo learn more about Tony and Safe Side Prevention, check out the links below.(2) Tony Pisani | LinkedInUS Website: https://safesideprevention.com/AUS Website: https://safesideprevention.com.au/Podcast: SafeSide Prevention | Never the SameHosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology DevelopmentProgram Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester2025-05-1933 min
UR Ventures Tech Hustle and BuzzleEpisode 13: Erik Simanis and Mark Yde from Venture Design Firm Half-SolvedIn this episode, host Dina Uzri speaks with Eric Simanis and Mark Yde about Integrative Venture Engineering (IVE), a methodology developed to create profitable ventures through a systems engineering approach. Erik and Mark discuss the importance of designing a profitable business architecture for new ventures from day one, especially for those creating new markets. They also walk through the limitations of traditional methodologies like Lean Startup for new-to-world products. Erik and Mark share how their experiences led to the creation of Half-Solved and the Market Creators Lab, both aimed at empowering entrepreneurs with better tools, training, and frameworks. They...2025-05-0551 min
UR Ventures Tech Hustle and BuzzleEpisode 12: Chris Strohsahl, President and CEO of Drummond ScientificIn this episode, host Dina Uzri speaks with Chris Strohsahl, President and CEO of Drummond Scientific. Chris shares his journey from studying biophysics to founding Lighthouse Biosciences, joining Drummond Scientific, and eventually becoming the firm’s CEO. He discusses the serendipitous nature of his career, the challenges of transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship, and the innovative strategies he implemented at Drummond to foster growth and collaboration with startups. Chris emphasizes the importance of mentorship, networking, and getting feedback early and often. He also highlights the value of understanding the manufacturing landscape in the diagnostics and medical device industries....2025-04-2146 min
UR Ventures Tech Hustle and BuzzleEpisode 11: Charlotte Hamilton, Co-Founder and CEO, TAF CarbonIn this episode, host Dina Uzri speaks with Charlotte Hamilton, Co-Founder and CEO of TAF Carbon, about her extensive experience in hard tech and clean energy innovation. With a career spanning over two decades and multiple startups, Charlotte shares what it takes to bring deep-tech solutions to market, the hurdles of fundraising in the space, and how regulatory policies influence the future of new technologies. She highlights the need for critical evaluation of technologies and the persistence and grit required to succeed as an entrepreneur. To learn more about Charlotte Hamilton and TAF Carbon, check out the l...2025-04-0749 min
UR Ventures Tech Hustle and BuzzleEpisode 10: Karla George, CEO, FLX AIIn this episode, host Dina Uzri speaks with Karla George, CEO of FLX AI, a Rochester-based data analytics and AI solutions company. Karla speaks about her unique career path and shares how FLX AI evolved from a regional consortium into a leading provider of AI-driven data analytics solutions. Karla highlights the power of collaboration and the importance of staying ahead of AI trends, and shares her vision for the company’s future, including the development of off-the-shelf AI products. To learn more about Karla George and FLX AI, check out the links below....2025-03-2427 min
UR Ventures Tech Hustle and BuzzleEpisode 9: Albert Huang- Surgeon Turned Serial Medtech EntrepreneurIn this episode, Dina Uzri speaks with Albert Huang, a UR alum and surgeon turned medtech entrepreneur, about his journey from medicine to founding Allotrope Medical. Albert shares insights on prototyping, market research, the importance of mentorship, and the role of Y Combinator in his success. He discusses the challenges faced during the startup journey, including fundraising, product design shifts, and the acquisition process. The conversation also touches on common pitfalls in medtech startups and the current trends in innovation within the industry.To learn more about Albert Huang, check out the link below.Albert...2025-03-1049 min
UR Ventures Tech Hustle and BuzzleEpisode 8: Stephanie Curcio- Co-Founder and CEO of NLPatentIn this episode, Dina Uzri speaks with Stephanie Curcio, co-founder of NL Patent, an AI-based patent research platform. They discuss Stephanie's journey from being an IP attorney to launching a patent tech startup, the challenges of patentresearch, and the evolving role of AI in democratizing access to patent data, and future implications for the industry. Stephanie also shares insights on the importance of adaptability in entrepreneurship.To learn more about Stephanie Curcio and NLPatent, check out the links below.Website: https://www.nlpatent.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-curcio-10479862/Twitter: @stephabieHosted by...2025-02-2445 min
UR Ventures Tech Hustle and BuzzleEpisode 7: Susana Marcos- Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of the Center for Visual Science, University of RochesterIn this episode, Dina Uzri speaks with Susana Marcos, a leading researcher in visual optics and ocular imaging. They discuss Susana's academic journey, her pioneering work in developing new technologies for eye evaluation, and the challenges of commercializing these innovations. Susana shares insights on the importance of collaboration between academia and industry, the role of the Center for Visual Science, and emerging trends in visual optics. She also offers valuable advice for researchers interested in forming spinoff companies.
To learn more about Susana Marcos and the Center for Visual Science, check out the links below.
Susana...2025-02-1035 min
UR Ventures Tech Hustle and BuzzleEpisode 6: Tom Gaborski and Jim McGrath- CoFounders of SiMPoreIn this episode, Dina Uzri speaks with Tom Gaborski and Jim McGrath, co-founders of SiMPore, an early-stage nanomaterials company. They talk about their academic backgrounds, the journey of launching a company from their research, and the challenges they faced along the way. They discuss the discovery of unique membrane materials, the recognition of their commercial potential, and the evolution of their business. Tom and Jim also talk about the challenge of balancing academic responsibilities with their entrepreneurial activities. They reflect on their experiences, the lessons learned, and the exciting projects currently underway at SiMPore, particularly in the field of...2025-01-2747 min
UR Ventures Tech Hustle and BuzzleEpisode 5: Theresa Mazzullo and Rami Katz- Excell PartnersIn this episode, host Dina Uzri speaks with Theresa Mazzullo and Rami Katz of Excell Partners about the venture capital landscape in western and upstate New York. Theresa and Rami discuss Excell’s unique position in the market, the importance of economic development, and the recent launch of the Upstate Biotech Ventures fund. They highlight their rigorous investment strategy, the advantages of operating in western New York,
and the sectors they find most exciting for future investments. The conversation also covers the development of a life science ecosystem in western
New York, focusing on the Upstate Biotech Ventures fund. He...2025-01-1352 min
UR Ventures Tech Hustle and BuzzleEpisode 4: Harold Smith- Founder and CEO of OyaGenIn this episode, Dina Uzri interviews Harold Smith, founder and CEO of OyaGen, hearing about his journey
from academia to entrepreneurship, the challenges of balancing dual careers, and the development of antiviral therapeutics targeting HIV and Ebola. Harold discusses the challenges and rewards of navigating setbacks in academia, the importance of partnerships in drug discovery, and the expectations of investors in the biotech industry. He shares his experiences with funding, the realities of starting a biotech company, and the significance of mentorship and collaboration. Harold
emphasizes the need for intellectual growth and the balance between stress and personal well-being...2024-12-3052 min
UR Ventures Tech Hustle and BuzzleEpisode 3: Jim Senall- President, NextCorpsIn this episode, Dina Uzri speaks with Jim Senall, president of NextCorps, about his journey in technology and entrepreneurship, the evolution of NextCorps as a
tech accelerator, and the various programs it offers to support startups. They discuss the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, the importance of collaboration
with local universities, and the role of the Rochester Angel Network in funding startups. Jim shares insights on the future of technology trends, particularly in AI and climate tech, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
For more about Jim Senall and NextCorps, check out the...2024-12-1636 min
UR Ventures Tech Hustle and BuzzleEpisode 2: Harl Tolbert- Associate Vice President, UR Ventures, University of RochesterIn this episode of the UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzle podcast, host Dina Uzri speaks with Harl Tolbert, Associate Vice President of UR Ventures at the
University of Rochester. They discuss Harl’s career journey from animal sciences to technology transfer, the intricacies of the tech transfer process, and the challenges and opportunities in commercializing academic research. The conversation also highlights emerging trends in life sciences, the university's
strong optics program, and offers valuable advice for researchers and budding entrepreneurs.
For more on Harl Tolbert and the UR Ventures Office at UR, check out the links below:
...2024-12-0249 min
UR Ventures Tech Hustle and BuzzleEpisode 1: Darren Lipomi - Professor and Chair of Chemical Engineering, University of RochesterIn this episode of the UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzle podcast, host Dina Uzri speaks with Professor Darren Lipomi, a leading figure in nanotechnology and entrepreneurship. The conversation explores Darren's journey from a rural upbringing to becoming a prominent academic and entrepreneur. He shares insights into the real-world applications of nanotechnology, the challenges of commercialization, and the importance of integrating business training into scientific education. The discussion also highlights the entrepreneurial culture within research labs and the significance of technology spin-outs. Listeners gain valuable advice on navigating the commercialization landscape and the support needed from universities to foster...2024-11-1840 min
SBS VakavitiRoko Tupou Draunidalo talks about Fiji debt, tax and life in Fiji today. - Vosa tiko o Tupou Draunidalo me baleta na dinau, na vakacavacava kei na bula raraba mai Viti nikua.There are no government frebbies. Everything will be paid by the people of Fiji through their taxes. - E sega ni dua na ka e soli wale. Na ilavo me sotava na veika e "soli wale" era na sauma ga na lewenivanua o Viti e na nodra vakacavacava.2017-07-0518 min